Private equity investment in Europe increased by 7% in 2018 to reach €80.6bn, despite a difficult economic and political backdrop in the region.
According to data released today by Invest Europe, private equity firms invested in more than 7,800 businesses, 86% of which was made up of small and medium-sized enterprises. Buyout investment amount was up 10% to €58.8bn, across 1,285 companies. Growth capital investments remained popular in 2018, investing €11.9bn during the period, with 2,106 companies financed.